The FTSE 100 Index ended a buoyant week with its fourth winning session in a row today as mining stocks continued their recent push higher.

Embattled transport group National Express saw shares race ahead today after news of a higher £765m (€875m) takeover approach from its biggest shareholder.

British homebuilder Bovis Homes sounded a note of caution on the UK housing market today as it reported a £8.6m (€9.9m) loss in the first half of the year.

An upbeat opening on Wall Street helped drag London’s leading stocks into positive territory today.

The London market made strong gains today as cheerier trading on the back of some good US news more than wiped out yesterday’s 1.3% fall.

British housebuilder Bovis Homes called for "decisive action" on UK interest rates today after revealing a 20% drop in sales reservations so far this year.

UK housebuilders came under pressure today after downbeat comments from Bovis Homes spooked investors.

Bovis Homes posted an 18% rise in profits today after the strengthening UK housing market boosted business.

A five-year high for Tokyo’s Nikkei index brought some sparkle to trading in London today as shares continued to push away from the 5600 barrier.

Medical devices firm Smith & Nephew led an exodus from the London market today after warning of slower sales growth.

The rise in UK inflation to an eight-year high sent investors scurrying to the sidelines today in a disappointing session for blue-chip stocks.

The FTSE 100 Index moved closer to a new four-year high today after gains by stocks such as takeover target Scottish Power lifted spirits.

Renewed bid speculation involving a top flight stock helped the FTSE 100 Index nudge closer to its highest level in more than three years today.

Bovis Homes today said the Bank of England’s decision to leave the cost of borrowing on hold since last summer had helped boost trading this year.

London’s top-flight shares held most of their early gains today as Wall Street looked set to open higher.

The FTSE 100 Index appears to have put nerves behind it as top flight shares moved firmly into positive territory after an early dip.